BDNF in Endometriosis: A Key Player in Disease Mechanisms? – A Narrative Review

Endometriosis is a persistent gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to chronic pelvic pain and infertility. While its underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood, increasing evidence suggests that neurotrophic factors, particularly Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), play a crucial role in pain development and disease progression. This review explores the role of BDNF in endometriosis by assessing its levels in both serum and tissue and analyzing their correlation with pain severity and disease stages. A review of seven relevant studies revealed significantly higher BDNF levels in individuals with endometriosis compared to control groups, with a strong association between BDNF levels, pelvic pain intensity, and early disease stages. Additionally, BDNF has shown promise as a potential non-invasive biomarker for the early detection of endometriosis. These findings suggest that BDNF could serve as both a diagnostic marker and a therapeutic target in managing the condition. However, variations in study methodologies emphasize the need for further research to standardize measurement techniques and validate BDNF's clinical applications in endometriosis.